Arm attachable toy for rotating and launching an object

ABSTRACT

A toy comprises a housing connected with a launcher to rotate and launch an object. The housing includes an arm attachment mechanism for attaching with a user&#39;s arm. The launcher comprises a driving element to form a drive connection with a receiving element on the object. The launcher is connected with a launcher rotating system, which imparts a rotary movement to the launcher. When the launcher ceases to accelerate the object, the receiving element disengages from the drive connection and launches the object.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part application, claimingthe benefit of priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/183,118,filed Jul. 14, 2005, entitled “Toy for Rotating and Launching anObject,” which is a non-provisional patent application claiming thebenefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/604,283, filed Aug. 25, 2004, entitled “Wheel Spinning Launcher andWheel Toy.” The present application also claims the benefit of priorityof U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/730,080, filed Oct. 24, 2005,entitled, “Rotating Wheel/Propeller Toy.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Technical Field

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching anobject, and more particularly to a launching mechanism that attacheswith a users arm for rotating and launching an object.

(2) Description of Related Art

Toy launchers are well known in the art. Toys that accelerate and launchgliders, helicopters, cars, and parachutes are well documented. Onemethod of launching a toy is through a rotary motion, often utilizing agear system to turn a shaft that rotates the toy.

An example of one launcher disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,701,216, issuedto Smith, III et al. (hereinafter “the Smith patent”). The launchertaught in the Smith patent uses a gear rack to drive a gear train androtate a wheel that is mounted on a shaft. As the gear rack is withdrawnfrom the toy, a wheel ejector coupled to the gear rack pivots to forcethe wheel off of the shaft and launch the wheel.

The devices according to the Smith patent have several shortcomings, thefirst of which is the need for a separate mechanical ejector to releasethe wheel from the toy. In addition to adding to the cost to manufacturethe toy, the wheel ejector device adds to the complexity of design ofthe toy.

Another shortcoming of the devices made according to the Smith patent isthe possibility of causing injury to the user if the wheel is launchedin the direction of the user. If the toy is particularly oriented, thewheel will rotate and launch toward the user, risking injury.

Additionally, in some circumstances, it may be desirable to attach thelauncher with a user. However, existing devices do not provide for suchan attachment

Therefore, a need exists for a toy launcher that can be attached with auser and that is capable of preventing the toy from being launched inthe direction of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned limitations and fillsthe aforementioned needs by providing an arm attachable toy for rotatingand launching an object. The toy comprises a housing and an armattachment mechanism attached with the housing for attaching with auser's arm. A launcher extends from the housing. The launcher isconfigured to impart a rotary motion to an object. The launchercomprises a driving element configured to engage a receiving element.The receiving element is attached with an object to form a driveconnection, such that when the driving element engages the receivingelement, the object is rotationally accelerated in one direction, andwherein once the driving element ceases to accelerate the receivingelement, the receiving element disengages from the driving element andreleases the object from the drive connection. A launcher rotatingsystem is mounted inside the housing and connected with the launcher.The launcher rotating system configured to impart a rotary motion to thelauncher.

In another aspect, the arm attachment mechanism comprises an arm strapand a handle, thereby allowing a user to attach the toy with the user'sarm and launch the object.

In yet another aspect, the driving element comprises two substantiallyhelical tabs extending in a parallel configuration from the shaft aboutan axis. The axis runs substantially parallel to and substantiallycentered in the shaft. The receiving element of the object is similarlyconfigured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward inparallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular tothe rotational motion of the object. The two substantially helical tabsof each of the driving element and receiving element has an edge thatruns parallel to the axis of the respective driving element andreceiving element, such that the edge of the driving element rests flushagainst the edge of the receiving element, forming a drive connectionwhich allows the rotation of the driving element to rotate the receivingelement.

In another aspect, the edge of the driving element and the edge of thereceiving element are formed as matching and interlocking shapes, suchthat when the edge of the driving element is matched with the edge ofthe receiving element, an interlocking drive connection is formed.

In yet another aspect, the edge of the driving element and the edge ofthe receiving element are formed as a hook shapes, such that when theedge of the driving element is matched up with the edge of the receivingelement, an interlocking drive connection is formed.

In another aspect, the launcher rotating system comprises a series ofinterconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotatingthe launcher.

In yet another aspect, the series of interconnected gears and axlescomprises an output axle connected with the launcher, the output axlecoupled with an output gear, the output gear drivingly connected with aninput gear on an input axle, the input axle connected with an inputpinion, the input pinion in drivingly connected with a gear rack, saidgear rack movably mounted in a guideway in the housing, said gear rackcapable of moving to rotate the input pinion and thereby rotate thelauncher rotating system.

Additionally, the radius of the gears is selected to provide a desiredinput-to-output gear ratio.

In another aspect, the toy further includes an object, the object beingconnected with the receiving element to be rotationally accelerated bythe driving element.

In another aspect, the object is a wheel and the receiving element isconnected with the hub of the wheel such that when the receiving elementforms a drive connection with the driving element, the movement of thegear rack causes the wheel to rotate.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the presentinvention also comprises a method for forming and using the toydescribed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed descriptions of the disclosedaspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the followingdrawings, where:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the presentinvention, depicting a housing, an arm attachment mechanism, a launcherand a gear rack;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of a toy according to the presentinvention, depicting an object being connected with the toy;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an interior of the toy according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a receiving element and driving elementaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of an object for launching accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an interior of the toy according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of the toy according to the presentinvention, showing the arm attachment mechanism with an arm strap andhandle; and

FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of the toy according to the presentinvention, being attached with a user's arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching anobject.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a launchingmechanism that attaches with a users arm for rotating and launching anobject. The following description, taken in conjunction with thereferenced drawings, is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in theart to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the contextof particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a varietyof uses in different applications, will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the general principles, defined herein, may beapplied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and novel featuresdisclosed herein. Furthermore, it should be noted that unless explicitlystated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrateddiagrammatically and without any specific scale, as they are provided asqualitative illustrations of the concept of the present invention.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the presentinvention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limitedto these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in orderto avoid obscuring the present invention.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents that arefiled concurrently with this specification and are open to publicinspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papersand documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the featuresdisclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims,abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features servingthe same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state“means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing aspecific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step”clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. Inparticular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is notintended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Before describing the invention in detail, an introduction is providedto provide the reader with a general understanding of the presentinvention.

Next, a description of various aspects of the present invention isprovided to give an understanding of the specific details.

(1) Introduction

The present invention relates to a toy for rotating and launching anobject. More specifically, the present invention relates to a launchingmechanism that attaches with a users arm for rotating and launching anobject. The launcher is formed to hold, rotate and release an object.The object is any roll-able object, non-limiting examples of whichinclude a toy wheel and a ball. As can be appreciated by one skilled inthe art, the object can be used with other launching devices.

A launcher with a pair of helical tabs extends from a shaft on the toyand interlocks with matching tabs on an object to mount the object onthe shaft. In one aspect, a removable gear rack is pulled to rotate agear train in the toy, which in turn rotates the shaft and the launcher,thereby rotating the object mounted to the launcher. When the launcherceases to accelerate the object, the tabs of the object disengage fromthe launcher, launching the object forward. The launcher is configuredto release the object in only one direction, and a stopper gear willprevent the toy from rotating the object in the direction of a user.

(2.1.1) Basic Operation

In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the toy 100 comprises a housing102, an arm attachment mechanism 104, a launcher 106, and a launcherrotating system (not illustrated) including a gear rack 108. Thelauncher rotating system is located inside the housing 102, and thelauncher rotating system is drivingly connected with the gear rack 108such that when the gear rack 108 is moved, the launcher rotating systemtranslates the movement of the gear rack 108 into a rotary motion. Thelauncher rotating system is then drivingly connected with the launcher106. When an object such as a wheel 110 is connected with the launcher106, as in FIG. 2, the launcher 106 rotationally accelerates the wheel110 until the wheel 110 is released from the launcher 106 and propelledforward. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the object isany rollable object, non-limiting examples of which include a toy wheeland a ball.

Although a gear rack 108 is shown in the aspect of FIG. 1, one skilledin the art will appreciate that the launcher rotating system cancomprise a motor or other manually operated mechanism to cause therotation of the launcher 106.

(2.1.2) Launcher Mechanism

The launcher functions to retain an object, rotate the object, andlaunch the object, without the need for a manual or mechanical releasemechanism. In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the launcher 106 ismounted to an output axle 300 which is drivingly connected with thelauncher rotating system 302. FIG. 3 illustrates the specific design ofone aspect of the launcher 106, including a driving element 304. Thedriving element 304 comprises two identical helical tabs 306, whichextend outward in parallel configuration from the output axle 300 aboutan axis, such that the axis is running parallel to and centered in theoutput axle 300. The edges of each of the helical tabs 306 are formedinto hook shapes.

FIG. 4 illustrates how the helical tabs 306 of the driving element 304are configured to interlock, as matching and interlocking shapes, withsimilar helical tabs 400 on a receiving element 402, the receivingelement 402 connected with an object to be rotated (not illustrated). Inparticular, the hook-shaped edges 404 of the driving element 304 areconfigured to match up with the hook-shaped edges 406 of the receivingelement 402, forming an interlocking drive connection. The interlockingdrive connection allows a user to rotate the toy in any orientation andstill maintain the interlocking drive connection between the drivingelement 304 and the receiving element 402.

Once the interlocking drive connection is made between the drivingelement 304 and the receiving element 402, the user can pull the gearrack (not illustrated) to rotate the driving element 304 and therebyrotate the object connected with the receiving element 402. When theuser pulls the gear rack to the point that it is no longer in contactwith the launcher rotating system, the launcher rotating system ceasesto accelerate the launcher 106 and the driving element 304. Once thedriving element 304 ceases to accelerate the receiving element 402, thereceiving element 402 disengages from the driving element 304 andreleases the object from the interlocking drive connection. This isaccomplished because once the launcher rotating system ceases to rotatethe driving element 402, the rate of rotation of the driving element 304decreases immediately. However, due to the object's inertia, therotational velocity of the receiving element 402 decreases more slowly,and the object and receiving element rotate away from the drivingelement 304 and disengage from the interlocking drive connection.

Due to the design of the launcher 106 and specifically the helical tabs306 of the driving element 304, the rotation of the launcher 106 willimpart a rotation to the receiving element 402 only if rotated in aclockwise direction. If the launcher 106 is rotated in acounter-clockwise direction, the hook-shaped edges 404 of the drivingelement 304 will rotate away from the hook-shaped edges 406 of thereceiving element 402 and disengage the interlocking drive connectionwithout imparting any rotational motion to the receiving element 402.

In the aspect where the object is a wheel 110, the receiving element 402is connected with the hub 500 of the wheel, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

(2.1.3) Launcher Rotating System

The launcher rotating system comprises a series of interconnected gearsand axles to impart a rotary motion to the launcher. In one aspect, asillustrated in FIG. 6, the launcher rotating system 302 comprises aninput axle 600 with an input pinion 602 and an input gear 604, where theinput pinion 602 is drivingly connected with a gear rack 108. Thelauncher rotating system 302 further comprises an output axle 300 withan output gear 606, where the output gear 606 is drivingly connectedwith the input gear 604, and where the output axle 300 is connected withthe launcher 106.

Because the toy 100 is formed to be attached with a user's arm, it isdesirable to have the input pinion 602 accessible at a top portion ofthe housing 102 while the wheel is launched from the side of the housing102. In this aspect, the input axle 600 is positioned approximatelyperpendicular to the output axle 300.

In one aspect, the gear rack 108 is movably mounted in a guideway in thehousing 102. The gear rack 108 further comprises a handle 608 for a userto easily grip and pull the gear rack 108.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that by changing the radius ofthe interconnected gears and input pinions of the launcher rotatingsystem, a desired input-to-output gear ratio can be achieved. Forexample, the radius of the gears and pinions can be reduced to providefor a faster rotation output to the launcher, due to the fact that agiven movement of the gear rack produces more revolutions of the gearsand input pinions than are produced with a greater radius of the gearsand input pinions.

Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the gearmechanism described herein is for illustrative purposes and theinvention is not intended to be limited thereto, as other gearmechanisms can be envisioned for spinning the toy wheel.

(2.1.4) Arm Attachment Mechanism

As shown in FIG. 7, the toy 100 is formed to be attached with a user'sarm. To enable attachment, an arm attachment mechanism 104 is included.The arm attachment mechanism 104 includes an arm strap 700 and a handle702. The arm strap 700 is any suitable device for strapping the toy 100to a user's arm, non-limiting examples of which include an elastic band,two bands with an attachment device (e.g., Velcro) to attach the twobands, and a band with an attachment device (e.g., clip) to attach withthe housing 102.

As shown in FIG. 8, using the arm strap, a user 800 can attach the toy100 with a user's arm, thereby allowing a user to hold the handle 702with one hand while using the other hand to draw the gear rack to launchthe object 110.

1. An arm attachable toy for rotating and launching an object,comprising: a housing; an arm attachment mechanism attached with thehousing for attaching with a user's arm; a launcher extending from thehousing, the launcher configured to impart a rotary motion to an object,wherein the launcher comprises a driving element configured to engage areceiving element, the receiving element attached with an object to forma drive connection, such that when the driving element engages thereceiving element, the object is rotationally accelerated in onedirection, and wherein once the driving element ceases to accelerate thereceiving element, the receiving element disengages from the drivingelement and releases the object from the drive connection; and alauncher rotating system mounted inside the housing and connected withthe launcher, the launcher rotating system configured to impart a rotarymotion to the launcher.
 2. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein thearm attachment mechanism comprises an arm strap and a handle, therebyallowing a user to attach the toy with the user's arm and launch theobject.
 3. The toy as set forth in claim 2, wherein the driving elementcomprises two substantially helical tabs extending in a parallelconfiguration from the shaft about an axis, the axis runningsubstantially parallel to and substantially centered in the shaft, andwherein the receiving element of the object is similarly configured withtwo substantially helical tabs extending outward in parallelconfiguration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular to therotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantiallyhelical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has anedge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving elementand receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element restsflush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a driveconnection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotatethe receiving element.
 4. The launcher of claim 3, wherein the edge ofthe driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed asmatching and interlocking shapes, such that when the edge of the drivingelement is matched with the edge of the receiving element, aninterlocking drive connection is formed.
 5. The launcher of claim 4,wherein the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receivingelement are formed as a hook shapes, such that when the edge of thedriving element is matched up with the edge of the receiving element, aninterlocking drive connection is formed.
 6. The toy as set forth inclaim 5, wherein the launcher rotating system comprises a series ofinterconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotatingthe launcher.
 7. The toy as set forth in claim 6, wherein the series ofinterconnected gears and axles comprises an output axle connected withthe launcher, the output axle coupled with an output gear, the outputgear drivingly connected with an input gear on an input axle, the inputaxle connected with an input pinion, the input pinion in drivinglyconnected with a gear rack, said gear rack movably mounted in a guidewayin the housing, said gear rack capable of moving to rotate the inputpinion and thereby rotate the launcher rotating system.
 8. The toy asset forth in claim 7, wherein the radius of the gears is selected toprovide a desired input-to-output gear ratio.
 9. The toy as set forth inclaim 8, wherein the toy further includes an object, the object beingconnected with the receiving element to be rotationally accelerated bythe driving element.
 10. The toy as set forth in claim 9, wherein theobject is a wheel, and wherein the receiving element is connected withthe hub of the wheel such that when the receiving element forms a driveconnection with the driving element, the movement of the gear rackcauses the wheel to rotate.
 11. The toy as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe driving element comprises two substantially helical tabs extendingin a parallel configuration from the shaft about an axis, the axisrunning substantially parallel to and substantially centered in theshaft, and wherein the receiving element of the object is similarlyconfigured with two substantially helical tabs extending outward inparallel configuration about an axis, the axis running perpendicular tothe rotational motion of the object, and wherein the two substantiallyhelical tabs of each of the driving element and receiving element has anedge that runs parallel to the axis of the respective driving elementand receiving element, such that the edge of the driving element restsflush against the edge of the receiving element, forming a driveconnection which allows the rotation of the driving element to rotatethe receiving element.
 12. The launcher of claim 11, wherein the edge ofthe driving element and the edge of the receiving element are formed asmatching and interlocking shapes, such that when the edge of the drivingelement is matched with the edge of the receiving element, aninterlocking drive connection is formed.
 13. The launcher of claim 11,wherein the edge of the driving element and the edge of the receivingelement are formed as a hook shapes, such that when the edge of thedriving element is matched up with the edge of the receiving element, aninterlocking drive connection is formed.
 14. The toy as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the launcher rotating system comprises a series ofinterconnected gears and axles, the gears and axles capable of rotatingthe launcher.
 15. The toy as set forth in claim 14, wherein the seriesof interconnected gears and axles comprises an output axle connectedwith the launcher, the output axle coupled with an output gear, theoutput gear drivingly connected with an input gear on an input axle, theinput axle connected with an input pinion, the input pinion in drivinglyconnected with a gear rack, said gear rack movably mounted in a guidewayin the housing, said gear rack capable of moving to rotate the inputpinion and thereby rotate the launcher rotating system.
 16. The toy asset forth in claim 15, wherein the gears have a radius and the radius ofthe gears is selected to provide a desired input-to-output gear ratio.17. The toy as set forth in claim 1, wherein the toy further includes anobject, the object being connected with the receiving element to berotationally accelerated by the driving element.
 18. The toy as setforth in claim 17, wherein the object is a wheel, and wherein thereceiving element is connected with the hub of the wheel such that whenthe receiving element forms a drive connection with the driving element,the movement of the gear rack causes the wheel to rotate.